The unique facility has four stories full of marble-inlaid halls and lobbies, murals, mahogany woodwork and a huge rotunda illuminated by a skylight made of stained glass. Until 1962, it was the site of the Indianapolis City Hall, then in 1967, it became the site of the new Indiana State Museum until it was moved to its present location in White River State Park. From 2002 until 2007, the Marion County Public Library was temporarily housed in the building while it awaited its flashy new home. Its redevelopment will be a potential boon to Indianapolis businesses, including the major Indianapolis hotels and restaurants in downtown Indianapolis.

These days the fine old historical building sits in darkness, waiting for the city to decide what’s next. A big part of the reason why cities such as Indy are able to sell the expenses to its residents is that the projects have the potential to draw business, create some jobs and raise real estate values in Indianapolis and beyond. There is no question that the improvements ongoing throughout Central Indiana are sometimes necessary, sometimes expensive, but always a contribution to the overall health of the community.